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Fletcher, Sellers, Samuels, Portis Get All-Pro Votes

The Associated Press has released its All-Pro team, selected by members of the media (The Post does not participate). London Fletcher was the Redskins' top vote-getter, with eight (fifth among inside linebackers). Mike Sellers was next with four votes at fullback (third overall). Chris Samuels received two votes at tackle and Clinton Portis one at running back.

Honestly don't know how Samuels routinely gets these types of recognition. He is routinely beaten, game after game, and must surely be living on (but not up to) his reputation. Perhaps he's just popular with people.

Honestly don't know how Samuels routinely gets these types of recognition. He is routinely beaten, game after game, and must surely be living on (but not up to) his reputation. Perhaps he's just popular with people.

Posted by: Carl739 | January 9, 2009 12:32 PM | Report abuse

Dude, Samuels far from "routinely beaten". Open your frickin' eyes. Even when he's playing hurt.

I'm late to the game today and have to comment on the latest entry on Running Backs.

Portis is not our problem, much as JLC wants to make that the case. This post stinks, LaCanfora. CP is far from perfect but tell me one player that gives/does more for this team not named London. RB is not our problem, nor is CP's attitude (though his comments can sometimes leave something to be desired). Paraphrasing James Carville circa 1992, "it's the lines, stupid"

Samuels is good, but an All Pro he is not any longer. Props for playing hurt much of the season though. He is still a gamer and an above average tackle. Hope we can squeeze 2-3 more good yrs out of him.

How did Rock not get one vote for kick returner? I agree this whole process seems a bit bunk.

“Peterson resigned on Dec. 15 after a 20-year run as president, general manager and CEO of the Chiefs and is a good friend of Stephen M. Ross, who is buying the Dolphins.
In a 40-minute farewell speech to friends and Chiefs staff Tuesday, Peterson said he does not intend to retire. Afterward, he declined to address whether he had plans to work for the Dolphins and said that heading to Miami was “pure speculation and I don’t deal in speculation.”
Ross’s purchase of the Dolphins from Wayne Huizenga is expected to conclude soon. Ross owned the highly successful USFL team that Peterson ran, and the two have remained close.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is interviewing candidates to replace Peterson, who won four AFC West titles and had three 13-win seasons with the Chiefs. Hunt has spoken with New England Patriots executive Scott Pioli and Washington Redskins VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, among others, and is paring down a lengthy list of candidates.”

Alright, can't stay away, but took a good lunch with a lady friend and had a two shots of vodka (But I did washed my hands first, Dick, you know after handling that trash), now I'm mellowed out.

But, the last question posed about Moss & Portis are valid in my book , sorry, but most of you couldn't understand why I could think this way in the first place. We come from different backgrounds and different places in the world, just like I couldn't begin to comprehend some of your thoughts, lives, and activities.

But whatever the world is a rainbow, mixing cup, and what not... I love everybody, real talk.

They are stuck. Unless they come up with a reasonable way to get more picks they will have to use at 3 of the 4 picks on OL and pray that Rhinehart can step up. They have to be sure they fix the OL first and foremost and this is the time to do it.

Then they fix the situation at running back.

The rest of the positions will have to be resolved through free agency this year.

MOSS WILL INTERVIEW WITH THE RAIDERS
Posted by Mike Florio on January 9, 2009, 1:07 p.m. EST
Two years after the Raiders parted ways with a well-known player named Moss, they could be landing a head coach of the same last name, but a far lower profile.

Packers assistant head coach/linebackers Winston Moss, the sole survivor of a recent purge of the defensive staff (other than the quality control guy), will be interviewing for the head-coaching job in Oakland, according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Moss played for the Raiders from 1991 through 1994. The 43-year-old has worked as an assistant coach for 10 years. He recently interviewed with the Rams for their head-coaching vacancy.

In Oakland, Moss would be the second person formally interviewed for the vacancy that arose when interim coach Tom Cable’s stint ended with an unexpected two-game winning streak. Cable was interviewed earlier this week, and Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride had a 90-minute phone interview that the Raiders later characterized as something that was done as a favor to Gilbride’s agent.

By interviewing Moss, the Raiders will be in compliance with the Rooney Rule, which requires at least one minority candidate to be interviewed for each head-coaching vacancy. The Raiders, however, would be one of the last teams to suspect of conducting narrow-minded, non-inclusive job searches. They had an African-American head coach (Art Shell) long before the movement to compel consideration for minority candidates gathered steam, and their Chief Executive (Amy Trask) is one of the only females in any position of significance with any NFL franchise.

Then again, this doesn’t mean that the Raiders don’t have something up their sleeves. We wouldn’t rule out the possibility that the Raiders are interested in making Moss their next defensive coordinator, and that they lined up an interview of him for the head-coaching position because the Packers could have blocked an attempt to interview Moss for any other job.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Former Kansas City Chiefs boss Carl Peterson says he is not taking a job with Miami, ending speculation that began when he was seen at the Dolphins' playoff loss last Sunday.

"It's not going to happen," Peterson told the Associated Press on Wednesday. "I have a lot of good friends there, but I need to get away for a while. It's been 20 years of making decisions every day and I need a rest."

Peterson resigned on Dec. 15 after a 20-year run as president, general manager and CEO of the Chiefs and is a good friend of Stephen M. Ross, who is buying the Dolphins.

In a 40-minute farewell speech to friends and Chiefs staff Tuesday, Peterson said he does not intend to retire. Afterward, he declined to address whether he had plans to work for the Dolphins and said that heading to Miami was "pure speculation and I don't deal in speculation."

Ross's purchase of the Dolphins from Wayne Huizenga is expected to conclude soon. Ross owned the highly successful USFL team that Peterson ran, and the two have remained close.

Peterson is also close to Jeff Ireland, the Dolphins general manager who got his start in the NFL as a Chiefs scout under Peterson.

"I have a 25-year friendship with Stephen Ross," Peterson told the AP. "But I have no plans to do anything right now but rest."

There has also been speculation about the future of Dolphins boss Bill Parcells, whose regime produced the turnaround that resulted in the franchise's first playoff berth in seven years. His contract allows him to leave the Dolphins and still collect the $9-12 million remaining on the four-year deal if the team is sold.

But following Sunday's loss to Baltimore, Huizenga said Parcells told him he plans to remain executive vice president of football operations. Ross has said he wants Parcells to stay.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is interviewing candidates to replace Peterson, who won four AFC West titles and had three 13-win seasons with the Chiefs. Hunt has spoken with New England Patriots executive Scott Pioli, among others, and is paring down a lengthy list of candidates.

vinny would be towel boy on most teams, not a GM/EVP. actually he'd be a jock strap boy on most teams, i don't think any team in the NFL would want him to hold sway over decisionmaking. the report that some other franchise is interested in him is bunk. if there was no dan snyder in the NFL there'd be no Cerrato in the NFL.

For those who were ripping the team for laying off some people earlier:

This just in, the economy is bad....

Posted by: BeantownGreg | January 9, 2009 1:27 PM

Beantown, You dont understand (how many times have I had to say this to you?) The Redskins play in the NFL, sure, but theyre really an eleemosynary organization with charitable intentions. Their goal is not to win football games (at which theyre not too good, anyway) but to serve social justice by providing employment for the poor.

Noting for the record that Joe Jacoby could play both tackle positions and guard. Which is why it was probably a mistake to let Jake and Bosco go when they did when Norv came in. They could still line up and play at pro bowl levels. Just not for 16 games.

Be nice if the mock drafts used their 'puters to go deeper in the draft than the 1st round. That said, most of the better mock drafts see the Skins selecting Eben Britton. Unless Oher is still out there.

He probably was before that other, now better running franchise, the 49'ers paid him. Followed by Snidely Owl and the Vinster.

Now ol Brand's a millionaire, kin folk said get away from there. Said Californy is the play ya ought ta be so he loaded up the SUV and moved to Beveeerly ... HILLS that is, swimmin' pools, movie stars.

CONTEST UPDATE: Time to make final changes on contest entries. I'll be posting the unedited list shortly

THE CONTEST IS:
Make a statement that will be kind of true one year from now (related to the Skins, of course). The most outrageous statement that is in the ballpark, wins. Up to 5 statements per person.

Devin Thomas has breakout season, catches 75 balls for 1260 yds and 7TDs. Get named to pro-bowl.
ecale25

Carlos Rogers has 7 interceptions on the year.
ecale25

Snidely Owl in a "come from behind" victory over the Vinnster in Raquet Ball.
Vinnie: "I am squealing like a hogette!!! Cant you tell?"
periculum

Zorn Taps Brennan To Start Against Dallas.
MrRedskin21

Zorn fired
learnedhand1

Justin 'TD' Tryon makes 4 visits to the end zone on punt returns and picks
zcezcest1

Skins punter elected to Pro Bowl
zcezcest1

Malcolm Kelly has a breakout year going over 1000 yards and 10 TDs..........after his bionic knee replacement surgery is successful.
p1funk

Jason LaCanfora gets fired from WaPo after getting into a fight with Larry Michael at Redskins park - although it wasn't much of a "fight", it looked more like one of those elementary school playground tussles with 2 pudgy guys rolling around the floor on top of each other. LaCanfora landed a job as the Ravens' in-house reporter for their website.
p1funk

Shawn Springs sits out half the season with injuries. After getting re-signed by the team to a 3 year extension with 15 million in guaranteed bonuses.
p1funk

Terrell Suggs finishes the season leading the team with a dozen sacks.
p1funk

London Fletcher is a ProBowl alternate.
p1funk

ESPN Chris Mortenson is reporting that Wade Phillips is out in Dallas
Reportedly, Jerry Jones is in talks with former Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips for the position. Phillips reportedly wants full say over personnel matters and wants to know if his depends have to be league issued
rickyroge

TO's TD lifts Skins past dallas
zcezcest1

- Wow Has Haynesworth lost it or what
chrislarry

- Guys it takes 3-4 years to judge a WR
chrislarry

- Position of need for Skins is WR
chrislarry

- The team isn't big enough for Portis and Zorn
chrislarry

- LaRon Landry, pro bowl safety
chrislarry

Fassel to interview for Skins HC job
zcezcest1

Cerrato, asked at a press conference about his 4 rookie picks, all of whom spent the entire season on the practice squad, said "We liked what we saw of them in preseason and expect them to contribute in 2010"
zcezcest1

Snyder, Fenty announce plans to build new Redskins stadium in District, to open in 2014.
SMACK1

Vinny Cerrato named GM-of-the-year.
hollywoodhogan420

Six-Flag stock rebounds to all-time-high.
hollywoodhogan420

Carlos Rogers stops a 'double-move' on play to win game.
hollywoodhogan420

Saw something like that when they had 2 college frat types fight. Both were exhausted after the 1st round. Looked like a chick fight after that. Hilarious. Had the gorgeous blonde interviewing them between rounds when they were punch drunk. She kept giving the audience the big all knowing wink.

"Jason LaCanfora gets fired from WaPo after getting into a fight with Larry Michael at Redskins park - although it wasn't much of a "fight", it looked more like one of those elementary school playground tussles with 2 pudgy guys rolling around the floor on top of each other. LaCanfora landed a job as the Ravens' in-house reporter for their website."

Fred Davis outshines CC47 as a Red Threat. Five TDs to Three.
matthewvickers

Mike Holmgrem is assigned New GM of the Washington Redskins.
matthewvickers

Having beaten the hammy bug, and the calf bug, the Skins have been overwhelmed by the hip and groin bug.
dcsween

Carlos Rogers ends the season with 5 INTs and 1 TD, earning himself a pro-bowl berth...as a member of the Atlanta Falcons after being acquired for a mid-late 3rd round pick.
psps23

After being fired by Little Prick Danny in a lovers quarrel, Vinny grabs an RPG and shoots down LPD's helicopter over the Potomac River...Redskin Nation is deleriously happy and celebrates for 4 days and nights...
knight1977

Zorn is fired midseason (say week 10) and Blatch replaces him.

Carlos Rogers catches more INT's than Shawn Springs plays full games in 2009
Predator48

The US military, in a final push to locate Osama bin Laden amongst the caves in Tora Bora, accidently stumble upon Jason Reid's Unrestricted hideout.
Predator48

In an effort to keep his job, Coach Zorn begins to wear the same brand shades as VC and The Danny.
Tymmel44

Jason Campbell finishes the season with 4100 yards, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, a pro-bowl appearance, and the runner up for the MVP award.
psps23

Carlos Rogers finishes the season with 5 INTs and a pro-bowl appearance...for the Atlanta Falcons.
psps23

Vinny Cerrato will make a comparison between Devin Thomas and Antonio Bryant, saying you can't call a player a "bust" until 6 years down the road.
psps23

Antwaan Randle El returns 2 punts for TDs.
psps23

Shaun Suisham goes 29/31 on FGs and is named to the pro-bowl.
psps23

1) RI Special guest blogger: Derrick Frost
p1funk

2) RI Special gues blogger: Durant Brooks
p1funk

3) RI Special guest blogger: Leigh Torrence
p1funk

4) RI Special guest blogger: LaVar Arrington
p1funk

5) RI Special guest blogger: Did I miss anyone else that JLa could dig up who may have sour grapes to squeeze with the Skins FO and feature them as a "guest blogger"?
p1funk

Phillip Daniels is named comeback player of the year with 9.5 sacks and is then cut by Vinny Cerrato to make cap room for the uncapped season.
scampbell1975

Zorn uses play Obama designed, and it works for TD
zcezcest1

Headline: WaPo and Redskins Park on same page.
Dan Synder, listens to Jason LaConfora and fires Vinny Cerrato. JLC now THE blog writer for Redskins.com.
Curzon417

V.P. Joe Biden will become caught up in an internet betting scandal (betting on fixed NFL games).
ifthethunderdontgetya

President Obama will name Vinnie Cerrato as his replacement.
ifthethunderdontgetya

Phillip Daniels is named comeback player of the year with 9.5 sacks and is then cut by Vinny Cerrato to make cap room for the uncapped season.
scampbell1975

-Vinny will be promoted to king of all vice presidents of the redskins universe both in and outside redskins nation... despite a losing record.
alex35332

-The NFL will announce expansion to Europe again, only this time with a six team league that will play the US NFL in the pre-season and a new championship game between the NO.1 US team vs No.2 Europe Team.
alex35332

-Tony Romo will quit the Cowboys when TO B!tch Slaps him and Jerriah give TO another million as a response. Because of this Jerriah goes and gets Michael Vick from the AF2 team.
alex35332

-Larry Michael will be kicked out of redskins park for sexually harassing some of the players
alex35332

CONTEST ENTRY
Dan Snyder will be killed in a Redskins-One plane crash while trying to recruit Albert Haynesworth at the 12:01 mark of the free agent signing period. His wife will take over as owner/ceo and begin a campaign to turn the franchise into a laughing stock so that the fans will turn against the team, stop buying tickets, therefore enabling the "out" clause which will let her move the team to Los Angeles (Vinny will get to keep his job, wink-wink). She will sell the plane, and the team will take buses to away games. Rod Marinelli will be hired as the new coach. The roster will be slashed, and a bunch of bums will come in that will surely make them the worst team in the league. Surprisingly at the half way point of the season, they will hold a 3-5 record. They will put a picture of the new lady-owner in the locker room, and rip off a piece of the clothing after each win. The division title and "play-in" will come down to the final regular season game against the hated cowboys. On the final play of the game, they will run the fumble-rooski, and new starting right guard Willie Mays-Hayes will slide face first into the endzone for the winning TD. I'm not really clear on what will happen in the playoffs, though as I never saw Major league 2......
dlhaze1

Portis becomes a complete team player and praises all his teammates and coaches for their effort and decision making. This inspires the team to a playoff push and NFC Championship appearance against the Aints.

How about Washington Post Resident turd burgular JLC learns to dress and doesn't look like he shopped at goodwill on Comcast SportsNite. Can WP pleasec fire Poindexter and get somebody who is knowledgable, a high schooler would be preferable at this point.

moe, I think to call Loadholt 'unathletic' as you did is somewhat short-sighted. He's playing RT for the football team that just played for the Div. 1 football championship. I'd venture to guess, that every person on this blog would like to be as 'unathletic' as he is...

Lots of other teams have their eye on that guy. And they have worst records. He will likely be gone by then. Trading to move up? Makes no sense unless we use the last pick this year and none from last year.
They really need him AND Eben Britton.

"(I liked Oklahoma's McCoy-- the big defensive tackle. The guy intercepted a ball while in zone coverage: you can't beat that with a baseball bat!)"

The Skins have 3 young DTs. 4 if you include the always improving Demetric Evans. Getting someone like a Haynesworth would make a 3-4 config tempting.

THEY HAVE NO OL if Samuels goes down. Jansen is on his last legs. Both guards are in their thirties with one just about done. NO BACKUPS, no replacments, NADA, ZILCH except for Heyer. Maybe they have Rhinehart.

The pressing need is at ALL the OL positions. This draft is rich with OL. Forget the DL. It finished 4th in the NFL. YOUR QB is at risk.

"Alright, can't stay away, but took a good lunch with a lady friend and had a two shots of vodka (But I did washed my hands first, Dick, you know after handling that trash), now I'm mellowed out.

But, the last question posed about Moss & Portis are valid in my book , sorry, but most of you couldn't understand why I could think this way in the first place. We come from different backgrounds and different places in the world, just like I couldn't begin to comprehend some of your thoughts, lives, and activities.

But whatever the world is a rainbow, mixing cup, and what not... I love everybody, real talk.

Posted by: RedDMV"

and this is the guy that continuously called me bipolar and starving for attention?

here you go folks- the DUMBEST post of the day (and maybe of the week)- by none other than RedDMV- Congrats bro:

"he may act as the mouthpiece for the locker room, only other person I can see voicing any concerns or issues is wait for it... Santana Moss, AND GUESS THE F WHAT? Next to Portis , he receives the second most hate and disses on here among 'skins fans.

I hate to take it here, but is it as long as "they" are entertaining you and keeping their mouths closed and show no emotion at all, "they" are okay. But as soon as they open "their" mouths, it's a problem. Sort of like "that" guy asking back in the day; "Hey want me to do a dance for you" and shows you all his pearly whites while dancing - usually tap dancing - I think you all know what I mean...

here you go folks- the DUMBEST post of the day (and maybe of the week)- by none other than RedDMV- Congrats bro:

"he may act as the mouthpiece for the locker room, only other person I can see voicing any concerns or issues is wait for it... Santana Moss, AND GUESS THE F WHAT? Next to Portis , he receives the second most hate and disses on here among 'skins fans.

I hate to take it here, but is it as long as "they" are entertaining you and keeping their mouths closed and show no emotion at all, "they" are okay. But as soon as they open "their" mouths, it's a problem. Sort of like "that" guy asking back in the day; "Hey want me to do a dance for you" and shows you all his pearly whites while dancing - usually tap dancing - I think you all know what I mean...

Or is it a Miami thing?"

Posted by: richard_cranium | January 9, 2009 3:36 PM

You must've just started reading this blog...

Water. Rolling. Off. Back.

Try harder, or post something that I didn't post four hours ago. I post dumb sh*t on the regular...

my point is, alex, that in this day our president can get the people to donate 45 mil to blow on a stupid inauguration that could be done for free, when there are thousands of other places that money could and should go.

We give out billion dollar bailouts to companies that then turn around and spend 1 million dollars on a "thank you" advertisement in the NY Times and other national papers.

Now we have the porn industry asking for a 5 billion dollar bailout. Hell, why not?

WaPo has an interesting article about Sherman Smith today. Here's a great quote from it:

'When Smith made his decision to join Zorn, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said to him, "I know you guys can do it. I just hope you're given the time to do it." '

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Translation:
When Smith made his decision to join Zorn, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said to him, "I know you guys can do it. I just hope those boneheaded donkeys over there - Dan and Vinny - don't do what I think they'll do, which is fire you guys after 1 and half seasons."

Well "free" not really. This city is a cluster F right now because of the inauguration I know because I live a block or two from a security entrance to the mall for the weekend. But I agree with what you are saying. good news is most this money is cycling into the DC labor force should bump the city economy a little.

I don't think Obama is going to fundraise 2.2 trillion dollars to fix the economy.

P1.
Thats true though I have heard some self called paleoconservatives argue that a global economy makes the benefits from spending limited. But they don't offer any better ideas for fixing the economy.

Hunt has spoken with New England Patriots executive Scott Pioli and Washington Redskins VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, among others, and is paring down a lengthy list of candidates.”

Posted by: Notorious_LMG | January 9, 2009 12:54 PM | Report abuse

I think Hunt called Cerratto and the conversation went like this:

Hunt: "Hey, Vinny. You heard that I was looking for a new GM, right?"

Vinny: "Yeah, I heard that."

Hunt: "Well I was just calling to let you know that I would shoot myself in the crotch with cyanide-laced bullets before I ever consider you for the position."

Click.

Posted by: p1funk | January 9, 2009 1:01 PM | Report abuse

Hilarious!!

Yes, as the ever-vigilant Flounder dutifully pointed out, that was a joke...meant to incite such witty remarks as pfunk's above. pretty sure most of you knew that...as someone pointed out, most NFL teams wouldn't even interview him for towel boy...

truth in the scale of billions of dollar bailout 1 million is not that much. Also it is essentially advertising and considering that they are attempting to get people to "buy american" again, prolly shrewd use of funds at that...

CL
Though I agree with you that they need a smart market strategy and whats 1 million from billions, TT11s point is a fair look into the "joe sixpack" reaction to hearing about the ad though and we cant discount that.

Here is my plan. The US government should expand and use its power to give ownership of christler to the guys building electric cars that work out in CA.

Listing those Fortune 500 companies and implying that they're well run is like listing the Redskins 3 Super Bowl victories and implying that this franchise is well run. It's all relative to progression/regression.

"truth in the scale of billions of dollar bailout 1 million is not that much. Also it is essentially advertising and considering that they are attempting to get people to "buy american" again, prolly shrewd use of funds at that...

Posted by: chrislarry "

definitely not shrewd at all

these are the same guys who show up to request the bailout in their private jets

and it wasn't really an advertisement

it said :

"Thank You America - for investing in us" and it had a picture of a bunch of "real AmericanS" in the background. Not their car or anything.

How about they make a better product? It's not rocket science. It doesn't take shrewd advertisement. It takes a better product.

My take on the draft is that they don't need a RT. They still need athletic, strong left tackles that can play guard, or right tackle if need be. Let Samuels start, maybe even Jansen or Heyer. Let Bugel teach them those positions plus guard. That way when someone goes down you can shift they way they used to be able to do with the hogs. Right now Heyer is the only guy that can conceivably do this. Rhinehart purportedly can play tackle or guard. Clearly Geisinger failed miserably.

Draft 2-3 + Rhinehart. Hopefully that will be enough. Maybe there will be good undrafted talent ... not sure ... Heyer fell into that category is he a starting left tackle? Probably not.

The D-line can wait. The receivers will have to wait for salary cap more than anything else. Same, unfortunately for running back thanks to Danny's silliness. Gee if only he would have treated Portis like he did Stephen Davis who was a more well rounded player at that position.

And Davis was a higher draft pick.

The linebacking probably can't wait but that is where you use whatever FA money they can scrounge.

I never said I was "okay" with it. Just that it wasn't a pointless ploy. I personally think the government should pressure those companies to massively expand in clean technology. Provide some kind of incentive that basically forces them to compete and/or surpass foreign automotive clean technology. That's the only way this country is going to resurface the American automotive industry.

I've been away from my desk. Quickly scanned the comments (you guys are economists now?). I couldn't tell whether this comment from Red was sarcastic. If it wasn't sarcastic, then I gotta say I agree. If it was sarcastic, then I gotta say I agree.

here is the problem, as the leader of a company or corporation when times get rough you are expected to take the first hit. but these losers dont.

they downsize the middle man all while still receiving their salaries and bonuses and the corporate perks.

Posted by: GreatOne1 | January 9, 2009 4:57 PM

How do you know this? This is a privately held company so the salaries and perks of the owner and manager are not made public. So, how did you get to see the books to find out that their salaries and bonuses havent gone down?

That $1mill spent by Chrysler went into the newspaper coffers, which then helped them get paychecks out to their employees, which then allowed those employees to pay their electric bill, which then sent money into the coffers of the electric company, which then allowed them to pay their employees, which then allowed them to buy groceries, which then put money in the coffers of the grocery store, which then allowed them to pay their employees...

"Playing with house money" ... I knew I felt a kinship with London Fletcher. [Other than height ... he and I also have that kinship with that "big target," Eddie Royal ... but I think London and I have probably downed a few more economy steaks than Big Eddie.]

We'll take them one at a time. First, Bugel himself is really big on trying to get guys to learn multiple positions on the line. Typically your best, strongest, smartest athletes will be able to do this. That was a hallmark of the original "Hogs".

The higher ranked LT's in this draft are considered potential starters at any of the positions (excepting center). Robert Gallery may be a good example. Joe Jacoby, Raleigh McKenzie, Ray Brown ...

I guess this means you two don't really follow the Redskins or really know much about football? Now do you?

"-Draft a RB so that he can play WR."

Okay, so you draft a WR. You pay him several to ten plus million dollars guaranteed bonus money and he decides he doesn't like getting hit and would rather be a rap singer.

For whatever reason many GOOD running backs usually come into the league with a chip on their shoulder. They like to block, to hit people. If someone hits them they are going to look for that guy on the next play and whammmo.
They think they are bigger than they are.

You just need a guy with speed and decent size and presto-change-o you have a possession type wide receiver. With good hands guys like Sean Taylor would typically make great wide receivers.
Imagine getting blocked by HIM!

Again you obviously don't watch football, have no clue about the Redskins ... whatever ... clearly you are dolts which may make you great economists for the Bush administration.

You just need a guy with speed and decent size and presto-change-o you have a possession type wide receiver. With good hands guys like Sean Taylor would typically make great wide receivers.
Imagine getting blocked by HIM!

Posted by: periculum | January 9, 2009 5:52 PM |

Wow you're a d-bag. All you need is a guy with decent size and speed and presto chango? What if they can't catch?
Sean Taylor had good hands and you're talking about running backs not safeties.
You are calling others bozos?

Of the many moronic statements you made in that post, this may be the worst.

Robert Gallery was a #2 overall pick that signed a 7 year, $60 million contract and failed at making it as a left tackle. He was moved inside to salvage something out of his career, and is currently an average player at that position.

Just to put that in reference for your obviously challenged way of thinking, Steve Hutchinson, a perennial all-pro guard (check out the votes at the top), signed 7 year, $49 million contract with the Vikings, and he ended this season blocking for the league's leading rusher (and has done it in the past as well, with Shaun Alexander running behind him). What did he play in college? Oh yea, left guard.

The Redskins traded up in the 2009 draft to get Crabtree, but Crabtree was inactive for most of the regular season games due to hamstring injuries, when he played, he was unproductive because he was slow to learn the offensive schemes.

Another...not mutually exclusive mind you

In 2009, Bugel did a great job with what he had, but it wasn't enough to keep up with all of the injuries on the offensive line. The two rookie lineman, played like, well, rookies. When Rabach was injured half way through the season, the Redskins playoff hopes really spiraled downward.

Isn't that like saying Hall was a terrible cornerback because well he was terrible for the Raiders. Who is motivated or inspired to play good for the Raiders? YOU IDIOT! They all want to leave!!!!!!!!!!!! Davis went really over the side when he benched Marcus Allen and wouldn't allow him to play FOR YEARS! And you trust anything the Raiders say!!! Stooooooopid imbecile its folks like you that would draft a Brandon Lloyd.

"'Robert Gallery may be a good example.'

Of the many moronic statements you made in that post, this may be the worst.

Robert Gallery was a #2 overall pick that signed a 7 year, $60 million contract and failed at making it as a left tackle. He was moved inside to salvage something out of his career, and is currently an average player at that position."

CSN just reported that the Houston Texans have asked the Skins for permission to interview Jerry Gray for their Defensive Coordinator position - and the Skins said "no". According to Gray's agent, the Skins cannot refuse to allow the interview.

Marcus Allen was a terrible running back, lazy and shifless ... well because Al Davis said he was. Boy you guys are really pretty stupid if you believe anyone on the Raiders wants to be there. I am certain the new draft class dreads the thought of being called by that team unless their name is Brandon Lloyd.

"One of the definitions of periculum is accident. My thoughts exactly. This last post makes no sense.

CSN just reported that the Houston Texans have asked the Skins for permission to interview Jerry Gray for their Defensive Coordinator position - and the Skins said "no". According to Gray's agent, the Skins cannot refuse to allow the interview.

The etymology of _stumped_: a good analogy to not seeing the forest for well the stumps? :)

"These states were heavily forested and people, mostly the government, went through and cut down trees in order to make roads. By necessity they left the stumps because they were so difficult to move. In some areas, there were so many stumps, and because the roads got washed with rains and became muddy, it was possible to get into an area where you couldn't move at all. Between the ruts in the road and the stumps all around your travel was impeded and when that happened you were stumped."

Not really. There may be clauses in the guy's contract that preclude him from seeking employment immediately after leaving one team with certain other teams for example.

Allen had clauses in his contract he chose to ignore. Once the Rams realized what he was about they dumped him 2 games into the preseason. He never got an NFL job again. Its possible that Williams, the consummate lawyer, was preparing a lawsuit.

Only makes sense if they planned on elevating Blache to assistant HC (ala grilliams) and Gray to DC.

Perhaps, from their (the Redskins) perspective the timing wasn't great. Instead of bringing all the staff back immediately to evaluate the season like Gibbs did Vinnie Barbarino decided to be a slacker and take time off ... ~smiles~
The other teams weren't going to stand still and wait for him.

"Always let guys interview elsewhere. If you don't let them, smart guys won't want to work for you

Maclin is entering the draft he will go in the top 10 that will help us to get the O-Linemen we want.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 9, 2009 5:47 PM
=============================================
That is good news. Both Eben Britton and Ciron Black could be argued to be slight over-reaches at the 13th pick.

But any one of Andre Smith, Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe, or Jason Smith could be legitimately called both best player available and area of critical need at 13.

P.S. Vinnie's voiced desire to trade for more picks troubles me. I'll try to explain why and also come up with a scenario where that would make sense.
~

Yeah, they do need real talent on the OL, they've run out of band-aids. Its been about 50-50 for them at those positions. IN some folks mind I suppose Mark May (a 1st rounder) would be considered a Robert Gallery. He got beaten out for LT by an undrafted unknown named Joe Jacoby. Moved to right tackle and eventually moved out when they got Lachey.

So, "moving down" to get folks with less talent makes no sense at this point. Thus Zorn's comment "devaluing" the pick stating that you couldn't get much for it. He wants it even if Vinnie doesn't. And it needs to be a really good LT.

I'd like to see what would happen if Bugel (the Skins) got a Robert Gallery for a lower round
pick.

"P.S. Vinnie's voiced desire to trade for more picks troubles me. I'll try to explain why and also come up with a scenario where that would make sense."

Totally agree. The only way to do this right would be for Vinnie to package players like Carlos Rogers, (the prime suspect for this), with next year's picks to get more this year.

The problem with that scenario is that this year's picks haven't really panned out and age and injury have decimated key positions a long the lines and at linebacker. And then there's the running back situation ... I guess Stephen Davis wanted to win and was a "malcontent" like Champ and the others when it came to the team.

Somehow Zorn, Blache and the other coaches have to assert themselves in this process to keep Vinnie from going awry again.

"There is more value to be had in second or third round, but the talent level diminishes too.

Here's what concerns me about Vinnie's announcement: Suppose you're playing poker, and the biggest fish in the game stands up and says, "I'm tired of you guys taking all my money. I've got a really good hand, and I hope you all fold. Right now!"

O.K. then Vinnie. If you loudly threaten all the people who have pulled your pants down and stolen your lunch money, I'm sure they will change their ways.

Here's how it should be done. Thanks to juniors announcing, and such as, Brian Orakpo is available at your 13th pick. You (Vinnie) get a call from Bill Parcells: "Hello, I'd like to offer you our 26th pick in the draft, along with this extra 2nd rounder we picked up from some schlub, for your pick."

You do that deal. We probably wouldn't get one of the top 6 O.T.s with the 26th pick, but we should get the best center or guard in the draft with it. And then Vinnie can say, "See me with my fancy GMing dance mooves! Watch me repairing my well-earned self esteem problems!"

And Bill Parcells can say: I just traded 34 year old Jason Taylor (one of People magazine's 2008 100 Most Beautiful People) for the next Jason Taylor. Thanks, Vinnie!

P.S. Otherwise, we should stick to the K.I.S.S. principle: we need an offensive tackle, the draft is rich in O.T.s, we take the best one available when it's our turn.
~

And we really won't know what's up until just before the draft after the free agent run is mostly over. God only knows which FA's the SnidelyVin monster will go after.

I fear that Portis might be taking his retirement early and not putting much into next year. Given the attitude he showed at the end of this year ...
I suspect Jason may be seeing a lot of Betts and his fav Rock Cartwright next year. No doubt about it.

Normally, I am not a Snyder basher, nor apologist but the way Portis has been spoiled is ridiculous. For all you Portis apologists, he's not the problem with the team, but he's not the answer. The answer is to rotate Portis and Betts more. It's proven that Portis is not a workhorse, between the tackles back. Who cares if he had 1,500 yards on an 8-8 team. TEAM is the key word!

I agree. Peter King has started to write about how Portis, with three more good seasons, could put up numbers to be a candidate for the HOF. That is the sort of thing that would get Portis motor running.

How about Clinton Portis’ comments? Do they hold weight?
A: Raise your hand if you’re tired of Portis. Now, I like when a player says things. Being in the media, it makes it more fun to have
someone pop off now and then. Sterile is boring. Portis is not boring. But I have one good reason why the running game struggled
down the stretch: Pittsburgh, New York, Dallas, and Baltimore. That and age combined with injuries did them in. When you’re
winning, you run more. W hen you’re losing, you don’t. That said, I heard grumbling from players about this so it’s not as if Portis is
way off the mark. Players felt like Jim Zorn got a bit worn with all his duties by the end and lacked imagination as a playcaller.

Q: Will the Redskins really make wholesale changes?
A: They should; they really need to make a lot. But here’s the thing: Vinny Cerrato and Zorn both are on life support. Both know
what’s out there and both know what could happen after next season if they lose. Knowing that, do you really think they want to
overhaul their offensive line with a lot of young talent, knowing that might result in more wins later but fewer wins now? I wouldn’t
be surprised, though, if they mortgaged some from future drafts to build up this one and add a few more picks, like in the second
round.

Vinny Cerrato and Zorn both are on life support. Both know what’s out there and both know what could happen after next season if they lose.

Posted by: TWISI | January 9, 2009 11:18 PM

Finally, some sensible perspective that we’ve never gotten from Jasno, or from most of the posters on RI!

Snyder is tired of being a laughing stock. Snyder wants to be a winner, more than he wants to make Vinny look good. If Vinny can’t deliver, then Snyder will replace him with someone else (probably Cork who’s uncovered Vinny’s shortcomings, while attributing all the other woes of the world to Vinny).

Even if Vinny has lifetime employment with the Redskins (which I seriously doubt), he doesn’t have lifetime employment as the GM. Vinny knows that his next job could be Vice President for Maintenance at Two Flags, the scaled back version of Six Flags. Or Best Boy on the next Tom Cruise movie, Valkyrie Part II.

I'm for Braylon Edwards because he does get open... we'll be able to see once and for all if JC will throw to an open man.
I doubt BE will catch the ball, but at that point we can draft a new set of WRs that specialize in getting wide open and move BE to his natural position as a CB.

The Redskins are back in a familiar position. A year after having an unusual offseason with almost no free-agent activity and 10 draft picks, the team will be forced to trim some aged and expensive talent and currently has only four draft picks with which to work. The Redskins have first-, third-, fifth- and sixth-round picks, having traded away their second-, fourth- and seventh-round picks in separate deals for Jason Taylor, Pete Kendall and Erasmus James. The team wants to add picks and might have the depth at cornerback to make a trade. The most likely to go? Believe it or not, Carlos Rogers. Through the first part of the season, Rogers was playing at a Pro Bowl level, but he fell off and eventually was demoted to playing nine defensive snaps in the loss to the Bengals. The club would like to work out a long-term deal with free-agent-to-be DeAngelo Hall, and not Rogers — whose deal has one year remaining — and could use him as trade bait. One estimated guess at Rogers’ value: a second-round pick, which would offset the draft-pick shortage somewhat.

So basically they're willing to trade Rogers because Cerrato screwed up by trading away the 2nd rounder they had for Taylor. And they used a top ten pick to get Rogers, which in effect, get's downgraded to a 2nd rounder now if they trade him.

ga8085 I tend to agree that Rogers shouldn't be traded, but if he pulls a Champ Bailey, let him walk. Let me ask you this,what would you expect the production of a top 10 pick to be? I would say multiple pro bowls and all pro recognition at the very least. To date Rogers has been neither because he's shown horrible hands, and inconsistent technique. He has improved in the latter, but Rogers neither effects offensive game planning, nor game play because he consistently gives offenses another play because he usually drops the ball.

4th, you're right about Edwards at Michigan. Not that I've scouted them extensively, but the issue that I think I saw in the Browns game in at least a couple of situations is that Anderson throws this bullet pass for which there is no reaction time -- and they weren't accurate enough to let BE make the catch. He seemed to have a decent game or two when Quinn took over.
But these trade things rarely pan out... if you bring BE in, you have to give him a new contract, right? All of the sudden, you've got the fingertips -- and contract -- of Brandon Lloyd on your hands.

ga8085 I tend to agree that Rogers shouldn't be traded, but if he pulls a Champ Bailey, let him walk. Let me ask you this,what would you expect the production of a top 10 pick to be? I would say multiple pro bowls and all pro recognition at the very least. To date Rogers has been neither because he's shown horrible hands, and inconsistent technique. He has improved in the latter, but Rogers neither effects offensive game planning, nor game play because he consistently gives offenses another play because he usually drops the ball.

Posted by: TWISI | January 10, 2009 11:07 AM |

TWISI--I think your expectations are unreasonable. Assume every top ten pick did what you said -- multiple pro bowls. Thats about 70 guys a year who would qualify for the pro bowl, and no one outside the top ten picks would qualify.

Rogers has outplayed both the corners who were taken in front of him in that draft -- Rolle and Pacman. If we trade him, we have to get another corner to replace him, and we cant get one as good as he is for a second round pick. Id rather cut Springs and use that savings to hire a few good free agents.

The problem is, then you're back to step 1 in trying to find a young solid CB to take his place because frankly, Shawn Springs is unreliable and Smoot is sub-par. And no question, Rogers has not been dominant, but he stayed healthy (something Springs couldn't do), he's shut down #1WR's (something Smoot can't do) and his better against the run and covering slot WR then Hall is.
So Yeah, you'll strengthen another position of need with a 2nd rounder, but you're weakening the best position on the team.

"Snyder is tired of being a laughing stock. Snyder wants to be a winner, more than he wants to make Vinny look good. If Vinny can’t deliver, then Snyder will replace him with someone else...[blah, blah, blah and a bunch of lame jokes]"
Posted by: talent_evaluator | January 10, 2009 7:57 AM | Report abuse

If Vinny can't deliver? If? Are you joking? Where have you been the past decade?

DEVIN THOMAS IN SKINS’ DOGHOUSE?
Posted by Aaron Wilson on January 10, 2009, 7:50 a.m.
It’s safe to say that Washington Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas didn’t have a banner rookie season, on or off the field, according to this scathing postseason review from the Washington Post that paints a picture of the former Michigan State star as possibly destined for Bust City.

The article portrays Thomas as having a “surly” attitude and a “swagger” unjustified by his unproductive performance, going on to say that he’s more enamored of making his presence felt on the D.C. nightlife scene than in dedicating himself to realizing his potential.

Besides apparently not having his head on straight, according to Redskins beat writer Jason La Confora, Thomas failed to run precise routes, didn’t inspire confidence in general from the quarterbacks, and basically just failed completely to develop into any kind of a deep threat despite his obvious physical gifts as a swift 6-foot-2, 220-pounder.

The future outlook definitely doesn’t sound promising since Thomas has already talked about wanting to take a break from the rigors of the NFL during the offseason, a stance that the Post calls “alarming.”

Thomas played in all 16 games with only one start, catching just 15 passes for 120 yards and an 8.0 average per reception.

In contrast, fellow first-year wideout Malcolm Kelly, who has been extremely injury-prone with chronically bad knees, is described as “well-liked” and hard-working.

"So basically they're willing to trade Rogers because Cerrato screwed up by trading away the 2nd rounder they had for Taylor. And they used a top ten pick to get Rogers, which in effect, get's downgraded to a 2nd rounder now if they trade him."

My bad, that was me talking there, not the ProFootballWeekly writer. LOL

I don't see how you get 'adequate' value for Rogers... sure, I'd like more picks but he has been a solid tackler all along. You can't replace that without a high draft pick -- maybe a 2nd, but you never can predict who will be there.
My theory (unfounded by any fact, but since when does that stop us?) is that Rogers and RockyMac got less snaps toward the end of the year as their bodies wore down. I've had enough knee surgery to know that -- unlike everyone else on the team -- they didn't get the winter break to let their bodies recover from the season. To get back to a pro level in six months, the physical therapy is pretty brutal. At some level, Blache has to try to conserve them for the possible playoffs.
You would think, however, that if this was the case, they could've created a lot less drama by talking to the player. But in general, that kind of communication seems to be very hard for coaches to do.

TE that's my point. Those players who don't play to that level, nor produce big/game changing plays become trade bait. For Carlos being the 3rd best corner on your team this last year, or the second best corner on your team next year, if Hall is re-signed, makes him trade bait particularly if Carlos is disgruntledbecause of pay or play. The fact Carlos has out performed his draft mates my mean that for that draft it was a poor draft for corners. Carlos is a good corner, just not the play maker a top ten pick/grade would indicate .

I love how Jasno's trash gets picked up by other outlets. So Jasno probably tries to get an interview with Devin Thomas and gets denied. So now he is "surly" and has a "swagger" cause he is too good to talk to me. People like Jasno who are just trying to make a name for themselves and ESPN which tries to turn everything into a soap opera are ruining sports.

I'm not saying we should trade Rogers, but there are some good CB in FA's that are better then him that they could get for around the same money.

Posted by: Flounder21 | January 10, 2009 11:54 AM

If so, then he has very little trade value. But, I dont believe it. The guy is playing on his rookie contract and is slated to make almost nothing. We wont find anyone near his quality for such a low figure.

You would think, however, that if this was the case, they could've created a lot less drama by talking to the player. But in general, that kind of communication seems to be very hard for coaches to do.

Posted by: daggar | January 10, 2009 11:33 AM

We don`t know what kind of communication actually took place. Maybe none, but I really doubt it. All we get are press reports from people who weren`t there. In Rogers case, I think he`s desperate to get a big money deal this year and might be the source of the disgruntled trade bait rumors. He`d like to see a trade and new contract more than the Redskins would. `Skins can watch him play the first half of next year, see if he keeps up the progress, and then negotiate with him. Rocky Mac? Well, he`s from the U.

The fact that there are a lot of quality options at corner in free agency is the same reason why at best Carlos might get a 3rd if he's traded which isn't worth it cause all that does is create another need.

Unless the Redskins can get either (1) Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, (2) A proven elite, young talent at another position, or (3) a top 10 draft pick, trading Carlos Rogers would be one of the more inept moves this franchise has executed over the last decade (and there have been quite a few of those).

Luckily this draft is pretty well stocked with quality players in those positions. The Skins could select a good prospect at #13 (worth 1,150 draft value points) or trade down for a lower 1st (for example to #23/760) and 2nd (#55/350) round pick.

Come on guys, put Portis on a team like Indy or the Giants and he gets 1,800 yeards easy.

Posted by: jgarrisn

Portis would be second string on the Giants at best. Portis would also have a season long whine on the Colts about not sticking to the running game and given the amount of money he is getting paid they could not even begin to afford him. When you think about it Portis is actually lucky to be on a team where the owner loves him and the coach has very little say about how he practices and when he plays.

Skippy, still recovering from his Metal Plate rotation surgery, dropped this off and asked that i pass it along.--THE CORK

Hi. My Name is Skippy and I have a metal plate in my head. I really really like Lemon Meringue Pie.

Well here it is with the Supper bowl approaching, and Skippy’s favorite fubbal team has had it’s dope and schemes flushed down the porcelain convenience.

So it’s about time Skippy waited in on what the heck is wong with the Wredskins. After all, it is the post-seasoning beyotching Season of the Year, footballwisedlyspeaking.

First of leave, stop picking on Vinny Ceratini for not being sorry for his mistooks. The guy started his own radio show, and that has keeped him two busy to apologize for his incompetence. . I’m sure when the Redskims General Mangler in Chief in Charge of Footballs and Operations gets fired from his radio show he’ll have plenty of time to ‘splain to fans why he is such a yutz. (Yutz is a Jewish word for Schmuck.)

Let’s start with last year when hops were higher than Cheech Marin with pocketful of blunts. Okay, so Vinny dafted three guys who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time to goose up the passing attack and that ended up giving HIM the bird.

One can’t wake up, one cant’ line up, one can’t stand up without his knees turning into mushmellons.

He also dafted a corner botch who is 5’2” and couldn’t cover Alaska with snow during a hurricane of snow only colder which water has to be to be snow and a hurricane doesn’t have it but Skippy can’t think of the word for Blizzard.

The punter he dafted is now working at a Seven-11, which ironically was the average length of his punts--seven foots, eleven inches, plus tacks.

Also, he traded for Peg Leg Bates to play defendible end. Twice. First there was Irritable James, a one legged guy who lives in a hospital. His best rush technique was hoping the QB got injured, then sneaking into the ER and hitting him over the head with a bedpan.

The other bozo was a 55-year-old tap dancer, who is 6’6” 120 pounds who worked out with Rita Moreno in the off-season. Vinny managed to swindle him away for only a 2nd round pick despite demands by Miami for an eighth-rounder and a bag of beer nuts instead.

Jason the Tailor spent the season in the whirlypool, on the bench or in the ‘skins defensive backfield, where he usually got blocked to. He plans to spend this off-season on the Gaza Strip-dancing with Joe the Plumber.

Vinny also mangled to sign Bill Clinton Portis as lifetime running back at a crap figure so high, he can never be fired, which encourages him to be shellfish and nut a team prayer.

I`ve been right here watching Schottenheimer and Gibbs manage personnel decisions. They couldn`t deliver. Now Vinny`s on the clock.

Posted by: talent_evaluator | January 10, 2009 12:13 PM
=============================================
The way I see it, t_e, Vinnie is part of the Danny-Vinnie team. And they've been on the clock long enough to earn every bit of the abuse they get.
~

a top 10 draft pick, trading Carlos Rogers would be one of the more inept moves this franchise has executed over the last decade (and there have been quite a few of those).

Posted by: psps23 | January 10, 2009 1:08 PM

psps23 what in Carlos' production as a Skins makes you feel he is as valuable as a top 10 pick to the Skins? Are you saying that when his contract is up, he should be paid commensurate as a top ten draft pick?

LOL... According the NFL.com stats: Portis is was the 4th best back in the NFL and Jacobs was 6th. Jacobs would be the short yardage power back on a team that had both players.

Posted by: siris

Laugh if you want. Jacobs is bigger and has the ability to make players miss or to just run through them if he choses. Given the choice of having Jacobs or Portis I would chose Jacobs just for what he does on the field. Now if you look at intangibles such as having an attitude that his statistics are more important than the team, then Portis is a distant second.

psps23 what in Carlos' production as a Skins makes you feel he is as valuable as a top 10 pick to the Skins? Are you saying that when his contract is up, he should be paid commensurate as a top ten draft pick?

Posted by: TWISI

------------

Umm, yes. Exactly. As a pure cover man, I can think of maybe 3 or 4 corners that get beat LESS often than Rogers. One of them is Nnamdi Asomugha, which is why I mentioned him in my post. The others, a healthy Champ Bailey and a healthy Charles Woodson, are too old to compare or consider for this spot.

Now there are many other corners that have better hands than Rogers, but most of them aren't as good as Rogers in coverage, and as such don't get their hands on the ball nearly as much as Rogers does. Finding a corner with a combination of both are the rarest of rare players in this league. For a team like this, great hands are a bonus, and only really an asset when there's a defensive line to put consistent, immediate pressure on the QB. For example, Hall has tremendous hands, some of the best in the league. In half a season, he had ONE more interception than Rogers. That is NOT enough to merit trading a top cover guy, and a guy who is one of the best tackling corners in the game for. If you give me a corner that gets 10 INTs in a season while not getting beat and being able to do it without pressure on the QB? Sure, give up Rogers. Otherwise, you're wasting your energy and resources searching for something that's not there.

You do realize this was Jacobs best year and he rushed for under 1100 yards? The only thing he has on Portis is less wear. He benefits from a better O line and better balanced offense. In terms of career numbers there is not even a comparison.

I didn't even see the LT Andre Smith from Alabama listed on the PFW rankings. Not sure how up to date they are. Unless the Skins get blown away with a trade offer, they should take the best OT left if Oher, Monroe or Jason Smith is available.

That $1mill spent by Chrysler went into the newspaper coffers, which then helped them get paychecks out to their employees, which then allowed those employees to pay their electric bill, which then sent money into the coffers of the electric company, which then allowed them to pay their employees, which then allowed them to buy groceries, which then put money in the coffers of the grocery store, which then allowed them to pay their employees...

...get my drift?

Posted by: p1funk

Yes, your drift is that you are inordinantly fond of the word "coffers."

Now there are many other corners that have better hands than Rogers, but most of them aren't as good as Rogers in coverage, and as such don't get their hands on the ball nearly as much as Rogers does. Finding a corner with a combination of both are the rarest of rare players in this league.

Posted by: psps23 | January 10, 2009 1:56 PM | Report abuse

Actually, with better hands, we call them WR's.

I agree, psps, we are not going to trade CR. I love Springs, but he is getting old, so I don't think we should keep him, unless he renegotiates, which I doubt. So we resign Hall, and we have 2 excellent young CB's in Hall and CR. And we free up $8 mil in salary cap by releasing SS.

Hey I would gladly have Portis post 1100 yard seasons if it meant we had 3 legit playmakers at RB and were about to play a home division round playoff game...

Posted by: chrislarry | January 10, 2009 2:20 PM
=============================================
Adding to your context remark, if we were about to play a home division game, it would imply we had a quality offensive line.

I doubt if Jacobs would have gotten the yards that Portis did this year behind our O.L. I could easily imagine our QB getting sacked even more often, however.
~

But in today's NFL, the slot receiver has emerged to be an effective middle of the field target: see Wes Welker, Anthony Gonzalez, for starters.

Skins fans don't recognize the value of the position as Randle El has been an all out failure as the second option guy.

So should the Skins look for a 3rd corner to play the slot or keep Rogers as a slot cover guy and bring in another corner to play against the #2 receiver, especially if the FO lets Shawn Springs go to get cap space?

Interesting choices..again shows fans the value of Rogers: he's the only corner you can count on.

What are the chances that Darren Sproles becomes a free agent? I think that alex has been pushing to sign him in FA. I looked up his stats for KR and PR. He'd be a huge improvement over ARE in PR's (about 5 yds/ return) and is slighly better than Rock in KR's. And he has 3 td's in last 2 yrs. from KR & PR. And he could be a great 3rd down back.

I love Rock, and I like Betts. But they are getting some age on them. I think one of them may be releases this summer.

But you can't fully assess Marty S. based on his Redskin stint. Not here long enough

Posted by: TheCork | January 10, 2009 2:27 PM

I think that`s a fair statement although his draft was a mixed bag. Gardner instead of Moss was a mistake, but his second round pick, Smoot, was a good move. I recall that he ran off Larry Centers who had a Pro Bowl year the next year for Buffalo. That was dumb.

My take on Schottenheimer was that his biggest failure was as a manager: he couldnt manage his boss.

Not sure how I feel about this move. On the one hand, I guess he's a "proven commodity" in the league at a premium position of need for us (O-line). On the other hand, I suppose we're going to have to overpay him and I don't know what we'll do with Samuels (move him to RT? But then what do we do with Heyer?). He's also going to be 29 in July, and since I see us as a multi-year rebuilding project, I imagine he'll be on the wrong side of 30 by the time we get truly competitive (does anyone know if he's had any major injuries?).

I love Rock, and I like Betts. But they are getting some age on them. I think one of them may be releases this summer.

Posted by: frediefritz | January 10, 2009 2:37 PM

I dont see it, myself. Both guys are low cost and they`re still getting the job done. There are too many other problems on the team. These two guys aren`t big producers, but they`ll stay on the `if it ain`t broke, don`t fix it` principle.

He's also going to be 29 in July, and since I see us as a multi-year rebuilding project, I imagine he'll be on the wrong side of 30 by the time we get truly competitive.

Posted by: p1funk | January 10, 2009 3:04 PM
===========================================
I have the same misgivings. They sign Gross... are they then going to pass on truly fixing the O.L. this year in a draft historically rich in O.L. talent?

We will have a band aid that turns into the next overpaid, overage dude in a few years.

If the Skins sign Gross, AND draft offensive linemen with their high picks, I won't complain.
~

I maintain that the way to go is to spend the FA kitty on Terrell Suggs. He's only 26 and he can fill 2 defensive needs (at LB and as a pass-rusher). Save the picks for young O-lineman and develop them together with Heyer and Rhino.

Then there's Derrick Ward: if you can take him from the jints, it would be a double benefit as you'd have him, but wouldn't have to face him which is just as good as money.

AFLAC!!!!-(INSERT DUCK IMAGE HERE)

It would be payback for Antonio Pierce leaving us (our fault) to join the Giants.

Ward gets his yards in the second quarter. If he's hot, you keep feeding him the rock in the third quarter and continue to rest Portis.

He hits the creases in the stretch play quickly, meaning the line blocking doesn't have to be dominant for him to get yards.

He follows trapping guards (Thomas) and fullbacks (Sellars) better than Portis as he's a patient, block-reading runner. That's why the Skins don't run those types of running plays.

Watch the reply of the Panthers v. Giants or Skins v. Giants games and you'll see what I mean.

But if you're the Giants' GM, do you take a move to keep Ward, especially already having an equally good runner in Ahmad Bradshaw?

No- Derrick Ward would look good in burgandy and gold.

Portis-Ward: sounds good to me

Posted by: MistaMoe | January 10, 2009 3:07 PM | Report abuse

Moe, when I first thought about this I thought no, we can't afford another high-priced back, at that one who'll be 29 by season's start. But then I looked up his career stats - he's only had 340 career carries and this season, as a backup got 1,000 yards and avergae a gaudy 5.6 ypc. He is electric too. I think upon further review he would be a great tandem with Portis. We'd have to cut Ladell - can't pay a 3rd string RB $3 million/yr - and we cannot surrender any draft picks to make this happen. Is Ward a UFA?

If we can do this without compromising our cap situation - i.e., still go after a Peppers or Gross and sign all of our draft picks (all 4), I say yes please.

Except that it leaves us with less money and/or picks to address our defensive needs (line and at LB)...

Posted by: p1funk

-------

That's going to happen regardless. We're not fixing everything in one offseason where we only have 2 first-day picks, and 4 picks overall.

I agree with ifthethunder, in fact I think that's the smart move. Sign Gross, then draft linemen for the future. Remember, we've got 4 linemen that need to be replaced within a year or two, and that's only if we consider Samuels staying at a high level through that time. And at this point, I'd rather get by with what we have on defense and hope to seriously jumpstart the offense (our defense DID finish #4 overall).

I have a feeling Ward would be just another Ladell Betts in this offense. To me, they have very similar attributes, and Ward benefits from running behind a great offensive line, and running into a defense that generally has been pounded by a 260 lb running back. I don't see him being effective here. In NY, he's a change of pace. Here, not so much. If Sproles wasn't going to command so much money this offseason, I'd say get him. But considering Ward will probably command more than Sproles, I say get neither, and just bring in some cheap, young, hungry FAs to compete with Rock/Betts.

That's going to happen regardless. We're not fixing everything in one offseason where we only have 2 first-day picks, and 4 picks overall.

I agree with ifthethunder, in fact I think that's the smart move. Sign Gross, then draft linemen for the future. Remember, we've got 4 linemen that need to be replaced within a year or two, and that's only if we consider Samuels staying at a high level through that time. And at this point, I'd rather get by with what we have on defense and hope to seriously jumpstart the offense (our defense DID finish #4 overall).

Posted by: psps23 | January 10, 2009 4:14 PM |

Agreed, we're not going to fix everything in 1 offseason. You say we have 4 OL to replace. Let's hope 1 of either Heyer, Geisinger, or Reinhardt work out. That drops the number to 3. To me, outside of the Oline which is the #1 need, linebacker and DT needs to be addressed. It would be nice, if we are going to keep Carter and/or Taylor, if we could convert one of these to LB. Don't know if that's plausible. Someone told me that Carter as a LB in San Fran was a disaster. DT is important. We need a monster DT to collapse pockets. A DT that commands double teams makes any DE better. A good DT can make our lack of a DE or linebacker (outside of Fletcher obviously) less painful. Just a few of my random thoughts.

Houston may have asked permission to interview him even if they didn't have to. Kind of a classy/ethical move if they did. Pretty sure there is a rule that prohibits assistants from leaving without compensation if the job is not considered a promotion. So Gray could leave for a DC job but not to be a secondary coach somewhere else.

Chris Johnson is awesome. I would trade Campbell for Flacco right now. Never thought I would say that in a million years.

My report was not bogus. The report was that the Texans had asked the Skins for permission to interview Gray and the Skins had refused. The report never said the Texans were required to ask the Skins permission - I assume they were just being curteous. Also, as I mentioned, Gray's agent said he did not need permission.

My report was not bogus. The report was that the Texans had asked the Skins for permission to interview Gray and the Skins had refused. The report never said the Texans were required to ask the Skins permission - I assume they were just being curteous. Also, as I mentioned, Gray's agent said he did not need permission.

Posted by: Lisa_R | January 10, 2009 5:31 PM

I wasn't accusing you of bogus reporting. I was asking if the report that you heard was bogus (just to clarify.) Not attempting to offend.

Tenne killed themselves with turnovers but what happened to the idea that the best officials do the playoff games. How do they miss that delay of game that ended up being a long pass to Heap. If that is the best the NFL has to offer they need to get some new blood in there.

Jasno was right about another thing though, we should have signed this guy:

Ay, chihuahua. Joe Flacco has to make one decent throw and zero bad throws per game.
I want a QB that will win the occasional game. I'll give Soup his big contract the moment he does so -- put the team on his back and carry that beeotch over the goal line.

Then there's the other theory that says he lives in the here and now but has followed the Redskins and knows about good ol' Snidely Owl and his old digs.

He knows where the Toddle House is; Sonny and Billy's old hangout after a long night of drinking ... and he knows from whom Sonny buys his cigars and whiskey at both stadiums.

Kind of the "National Labs for employers" side effect. You begin to use your intuition. Instead of baseball cards and hype you begin to see the man who is behind the curtain. Even when he doesn't want you to see.

And as always FORZA REDSKINS!

"you must understand that periwinkle just makes things up as he goes.
Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 10, 2009 4:47 PM

That`s one theory. Mine is that he tells it like it is -- it`s just that he lives in and blogs from an alternate universe.

George Allen was pretty bad when it came to this. He made 3 owners really furious with him. Actually four. Starting with George Halas. That's when the NFL owners came out with the "no tampering" clauses.

Thats the truth. Not bogus.

"Thanks Cin, so was that report that Lisa heard bogus? I assumed that what periwinkle was saying was bogus.

Time to start thinking about getting Delhomme for next year... if he keeps throwing INTs like this, he'll be available, need a place to hide, and obviously likes throwing at players in red/white uniforms...

But he cost the Redskins 1st round pick plus another. Davis was just released.

"Don't get me wrong, I liked Stephen Davis a lot, but he was nowhere near as good as Clinton Portis. Clinton Portis has more rush yards (9202)in his 6 years in the league than Davis had (8052) in 10."

We still fail to look at the receptions part of the stats. That is just as important as Michael Westbrook (who has similar numbers to Stephen Davis) seems to like to bring front and center and even shove down your throat.

4) The second-happiest man in America right now (the first obviously being Kurt Warner's husband) has got to be Norman Chad. He's been riding the Cardinals as his Team of Destiny for about a decade now. The down side is he might have to work up some new material.

@) Speaking of bad referees, who did Dan Dierdorf beat to get into the playoffs?

B) Has anyone ever gone up and got a long pass "at its highest point"? Stop it already.

Unbelievable! Well, now that the Cardinals have this game sewn up I can only hope they can keep it going for yet another week - which seems impossible. Otherwise, the flippin' Eagles or Giants will be playing in the Super Bowl.

My prediction of the Eagles making it to the Super Bowl (and winning) does not seem so odd now.

+++Here's how it should be done. Thanks to juniors announcing, and such as, Brian Orakpo is available at your 13th pick. You (Vinnie) get a call from Bill Parcells: "Hello, I'd like to offer you our 26th pick in the draft, along with this extra 2nd rounder we picked up from some schlub, for your pick."

You do that deal.+++---If the thunderdon’tgetyuh

And what has happened since the Jason Taylor swindle that now makes you think Vinny can out-maneuver Bill Parcells?

+++Snyder is tired of being a laughing stock. Snyder wants to be a winner, more than he wants to make Vinny look good. If Vinny can’t deliver, then Snyder will replace him with someone else++----Talent-Evaluator

Guy out here in LA named Donald Sterling is the original Dan Snyder. He too has ben perceived lately as tired of being a laiughingstock. He too has made a fortune and delivered diddley. He was recently quoted in the papers (again) about how tired he is about losing. And his Clippers are 8-27.

The thing is, I don't think he knows how to win. I don't think he has the gift of attracting the right people who can win for him and letting them do so. I don't profess to know what it is, or what makes the winners of the world different from the Sterlings.

But I see a lot of it in Snyder. I think he'd like to win. I'm not so sure he can attract the right people who will enable him to win, and let them win for him

+++...Cork who’s uncovered Vinny’s shortcomings, while attributing all the other woes of the world to Vinny).+++

Not while George W. Bush is drawing breath do I believe that to be true.

But I see a lot of it in Snyder. I think he'd like to win. I'm not so sure he can attract the right people who will enable him to win, and let them win for him.

Posted by: TheCork | January 11, 2009 1:07 AM

I agree with that. But my point was that if Vinny can`t do the job, Snyder won`t hesitate to replace him. The next guy may be worse, but there will be a next guy. Vinny doesn`t have a job for life, like a broken-down professor with tenure.

I think Snyder`s Achilles` heel is that he wants to be a playuh. He wants to win AND he wants to be seen as the architect of victory. He wants to be Jerry Jones or Al Davis, not Robert Kraft. And until he gives up his self-delusion, he won`t be able to attract the right people. He`ll get the next Vinny Cerrato, not the next Scott Pioli.

But if you're the Chargers' GM, wouldn't you franchise tag him if you could?

Yeah, me too.

Then there's Derrick Ward: if you can take him from the jints, it would be a double benefit as you'd have him, but wouldn't have to face him which is just as good as money.

Posted by: MistaMoe | January 10, 2009 3:07 PM | Report abuse

That was a good post, Moe. Let me respond.

Ward would certainly be a great replacement for Betts. However, he's not much younger.

Sproles will be 26 in June, he would be a major inprovement to ARE as PR. And he would be a major stepup to Betts as our 3rd down back. He's capable of taking it to the house on any given play, just by getting him into space. I see him as the Skins' Brian Westbrook. Wow! Pound CP, then change of pace with Sproles.

Makes me salivate.

And will SD put the franchise tag on him when they already have LT? I'm guessing they will make a major push to resign him, but will not franchise him.

fredie, it wouldn't shock me if they did franchise Sproles. He may not be an every down back but his value to that team is immeasurable. Plus LT is going to be 30 by season's start and has not stayed healthy the past couple yrs.

fredie, it wouldn't shock me if they did franchise Sproles. He may not be an every down back but his value to that team is immeasurable. Plus LT is going to be 30 by season's start and has not stayed healthy the past couple yrs.

Posted by: Notorious_LMG | January 11, 2009 9:35 AM | Report abuse

Notorious, any idea how much Sproles would be paid if he was franchised? Also, how much is LT being paid. He's probably one of the top 5 in the league, so his salary would be part of the franchise base.

No way Sproles gets franchised. You guys have been fans of the Skins too long. The team's FO logic appears to be seeping into your brains.

They would have to pay him the avg of the top five salaries at the RB position. They wouldn't have to pay him anywhere close to that to re-sign him. He is a specialist. He's important to the Chargers but not that important.

The team's FO logic appears to be seeping into your brains.
...
Posted by: learnedhand1 | January 11, 2009 11:53 AM
=============================================
Logic? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
~

It'll cost much more to re-sign Sproles than to franchise him. That's why teams use the franchise tag in the first place (and why players hate it).

(1) Sproles will command major dollars in the FA market. He's not an every-down back, but he is a 15-20 touch a game player. My guess is he'll command around $20 million at the lowest for a multi-year deal.

(2) If the Chargers feel like they're a year away (which they probably do, considering LT's age and the injury to Merriman), they would absolutely pony up the dough for one year rather than sign him long term for big dollars.

Franchising Sproles is precisely what this FO would NOT do. They would lock him up for big dollars long term, and be stuck with him when he's well past his prime.

Hey -- Hamster Nation has to join together on this. Either RBs are dime-a-dozen, or it's worth having TWO franchise players in the position.
I personally believe that there are 5-10 really outstanding performers, and then about 50 decent guys that can help your team out if the situation works out right. Portis is on the edge of that top ten -- Betts is somewhere in the 50. Sproles is in the 50 -- a little higher than Betts, but not outrageously so. You can get someone in the top fifty for the price of a ham sandwich, and whether it works out or not depends more on circumstance than talent evaluation. Swap Betts for Sproles, and the skins still don't make the playoffs.

They would have to pay him the avg of the top five salaries at the RB position. They wouldn't have to pay him anywhere close to that to re-sign him. He is a specialist. He's important to the Chargers but not that important.

Posted by: learnedhand1 | January 11, 2009 11:53 AM | Report abuse

You're wrong. See psps23's comment - it would actually be a cheaper option than giving him a 4-5 yr deal which I'm sure he'll command/demand on the open market. The guy is a specialist alright - specializing in finding the end zone and changing games. The little back stigma is the only reason people would not regard this guy as worthy of big bucks. He is probably their MVP right now, him or Rivers.

psp23, you don't know what you are talking about. To franchise him would cost the Chargers $8 mil next season. They would not have to pay him that much if they just bid for his services like other teams. He's going to get paid but he is not going to get paid $8 mil.

learned, yes it would be cheaper next season if they signed him long-term. But it would be considerably more expensive over the long haul. I'm not saying it won't happen, just that it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see him franchised. The Chargers are in their prime and currently dealing with major injuries, and I can see them making a one-year push next season. If that's the case, the smart move would be to franchise him.

I agree. The fact they beat teams like the Ravens and Giants (not to mention Dallas) toward the end makes that a real possibility. There was only this very odd team named the Washington Redskins who for one day fielded a defense that looked far more frightening than the Ravens.

"My prediction of the Eagles making it to the Super Bowl (and winning) does not seem so odd now.

The Redskins have now spent all 4 (5) years of Gibbs 2.0 rebuilding the defense. It is almost complete. The trick now is to keep it together adding only those players the really need. A high-end LB.
Perhaps a dominating DT. You resign Jason Taylor for a lot less.

Its the offense that needs all the key upgrades starting with the OL. I think to everyone's pleasant surprise they will find that CP plays a bit better. Betts becomes more like a Sproles. Perhaps Rock Cartwright can be a Sproles? He seemed to be the only guy with "long runs" (on kickoffs) this year.

If you rebuild the OL it will all come with the skill players they have. Clearly wide receiver is still a problem. Just have to hope one of last year's draft picks step up. Even if its the tight end.

Believe me, rebuilding the OL is the very best thing Snidely Owl can do for himself AND preserving the defense built under Gibbs 2.0.

Why? What logic is there in that statement? And you knuckleheads claim that I say things that are out in left field?

Jason Campbell did PRECISELY what Flacco did yesterday against a team that is likely going to end up in the superbowl, the Philadelphia Eagles. They won that 10-3. Remember?

OUR DEFENSE IS THAT GOOD!!!! And it can be again! Why do you think Blache is so excited about coming back?

Jason did this year what any defensive minded HC or DC could want. HE DIDN'T MAKE MISTAKES. Like Eli Manning just did. Mistakes kill you. He has learned that lesson. He will get better. Trust one of the best "choosers" of QBs ever, Joe Gibbs. He had a number he drafted. One he let go, others he won superbowls with. The Chargers won with the one he let go.

All you folks from the "alternate Universe" need to forget Sproles. Think OL. OL. OL and OL again. Forget Sproles that is completely silly and would be a waste given the salary cap situation as it stands.

If Vinnie and Snidely come to their senses and stop thinking like you "fans" you may be pleasantly surprised next year.

Sheesh and people complain about Snidely going after the big splash, after the name recognition players ... sheeeeesh ...

Its the offense that needs all the key upgrades starting with the OL. I think to everyone's pleasant surprise they will find that CP plays a bit better. Betts becomes more like a Sproles. Perhaps Rock Cartwright can be a Sproles? He seemed to be the only guy with "long runs" (on kickoffs) this year.

If you rebuild the OL it will all come with the skill players they have. Clearly wide receiver is still a problem. Just have to hope one of last year's draft picks step up. Even if its the tight end.

Believe me, rebuilding the OL is the very best thing Snidely Owl can do for himself AND preserving the defense built under Gibbs 2.0.

Posted by: periculum | January 11, 2009 1:28 PM | Report abuse

I agree. With the 13th pick we should get a starting OT. With 3rd round pick, we should get a good G/C prospect.

But I still think we need to add a ome run hitter. I think Sproles would dramatically improve our offense. I think he could be our Brian Westbrook on 3rd downs, and he could upgrade our punt returns.

You're an idiot for thinking that Sproles would be anything without an OL and an offensive system. He'd get crushed here with the OL as it stands.

Jason Taylor looked pretty good when he was with Miami.

You are surely as bad as Snidely scrambledbrainbell1975. You think with your fat ass and not with your head.

"You are absolutely psycho if you think Betts or Cartwright will ever be anything like Sproles. Hang it up periwinkle, your insights are anything but insightful.
Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 11, 2009"

If it weren't for Portis and his contract that may make sense. However, it seems far more critical to maintain the defense at its current level. Perhaps attempting to raise it.

Let's see what Sproles does against the Ravens (keeping in mind that our defense is almost as good).

"But I still think we need to add a ome run hitter. I think Sproles would dramatically improve our offense. I think he could be our Brian Westbrook on 3rd downs, and he could upgrade our punt returns."

If Vinnie and Snidely come to their senses and stop thinking like you "fans" you may be pleasantly surprised next year.
=============================================
Rebuilding the O.L. through the draft (which I think is the best way to do it) might take 2 years.

Chris Samuels was an immediate starter for the Skins, but he was also the 3rd player taken in the 2000 draft.

Right now we have a 13th pick and a third round pick, and I think we're more than one guy away from having a good offensive line again.

Maybe Heyer steps up (not complaining about him, getting a "justaguy" who can play on your O.L. is a good result for free agency...but to be better than "justaguy" he does need to improve), Rhino in his 2nd year shows some good stuff, and our first round pick becomes a starter and more than justaguy in his first year.

But all of that isn't any more likely than a 50 yard field goal you need to make the playoffs.
~

There are -- at most -- two OL spots open for this year, and that depends on what Buges thinks about the six justaguys they already have on hand.
I like the idea of getting that ten-year bookend LT at #13 (especially if he learns the ropes at RT for a couple of years). But if they take four OL, I'll be beyond surprised. If they take a run at someone in FA, then maybe not even one.

Are you sure about this scamp? I was thinking maybe if Betts watched a lot of tape on Sproles, he could see what Sproles is doing and he could do the same thing. Wouldn`t that work?

Posted by: talent_evaluator | January 11, 2009 2:11 PM

It's possible, if you could gain speed, lateral movement and cutting ability, plus lose size to the point where you get lost in a crowd by watching tape, then Betts could be in good shape by the end of the offseason.

It's possible, if you could gain speed, lateral movement and cutting ability, plus lose size to the point where you get lost in a crowd by watching tape, then Betts could be in good shape by the end of the offseason.

Posted by: scampbell1975

I agree. Thinking that Betts/Cartwright could try and mimic Sproles is like thinking Malcolm Kelly could mimic Santana Moss. Not going to happen.

Now don`t go making assumptions. That really depends on whether a stud WR drops into our laps at #13, doesn`t it? Best player available?

Posted by: talent_evaluator | January 11, 2009 2:25 PM |

If I had my guess, I would say that we will most likely trade down to a late 1st and a second. We would pick up either a running back or a DE with the 1st and an Oline with the second. I've got to believe that Betts or Cartwright are going to become expendable very soon. I just have a feeling that our FO believes that Buges will coach up any OL picks they get and are entirely too infatuated with skill positions.

FO just can't be that stupid. This draft is deep in OT's. Even an incompetent FO cannnot avoid that decision. And I'm not saying Vinnie is incompetent. I just don't think they can screw up this decision. The best OT available. Or a trade for a lower 1st and a 2nd or early 3rd.

FO just can't be that stupid. This draft is deep in OT's. Even an incompetent FO cannnot avoid that decision.
...
Posted by: frediefritz | January 11, 2009 2:30 PM
=============================================
I hope all we hamsters are rubbing our lucky rabbit's feet.
~

I'm opposed to chasing Jordan Gross in FA. We needcap space, and we can solve our O line problems with 2 picks in this draft, and another 1-2 in next year's draft.

I would love to get Suggs in FA, but i'm pretty sure the Ravens will tie him up with either a long term contractor a franchise tag. I would like him, tho, because he is 26.

Haynesworth is 27, and could help us collapse the middle. But I'm afraid he would cost too much.

So I would be satisfied to maybe find an inexpensive LB in FA, and otherwise sit tight on D.

But my emphasis this off-season, I think we need to emphasize the O.

Posted by: frediefritz | January 11, 2009 2:52 PM

You are assuming that our FO cares about cap space. We never have any yet seem to still make moves. Also, it looks like the cap will be ending soon (as of how it stands now anyway) so I think that is less of a concern. I also disagree with your D evaluation. A pocket collapsing or double team neccesitating DT makes DE's and LB's look better. That is our biggest need on D. Just my opinion.

You are assuming that our FO cares about cap space. We never have any yet seem to still make moves. Also, it looks like the cap will be ending soon (as of how it stands now anyway) so I think that is less of a concern. I also disagree with your D evaluation. A pocket collapsing or double team neccesitating DT makes DE's and LB's look better. That is our biggest need on D. Just my opinion.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 11, 2009 3:03 PM | Report abuse
I thought there was still going to be a salary cap, even if there is no new union contract. What will status be in 2010 and 2011?

I'm not sure what the status will be for 2010 and 2011. I'm pretty sure that once the contract expires without any agreements the salary cap is gone. Things may have changed but if they have I haven't heard about it.

"Fitch notes that the 2008 and 2009 season will be played with a salary cap and if there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, the 2010 season will be played without a salary cap and under the existing agreement rules that would restrict the free agency rights of the players."

"Fitch notes that the 2008 and 2009 season will be played with a salary cap and if there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, the 2010 season will be played without a salary cap and under the existing agreement rules that would restrict the free agency rights of the players."

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 11, 2009 3:19 PM | Report abuse

So, we have the biggest stadium, so we presumably can have the highest payroll? That still assumes we make good player selections, and negotiate reasonable salary levels. How about good performance bonuses, say for winning games and and the conference, and the Super Bowl.

Teams like us, Dallas, and the Gints could be perennial juggernauts. The problem for us is that we typically are among the highest earners and spenders but still field average to bad teams. That points to FO management.

Teams like us, Dallas, and the Gints could be perennial juggernauts. The problem for us is that we typically are among the highest earners and spenders but still field average to bad teams. That points to FO management.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 11, 2009 3:29 PM | Report abuse

I agree. Really makes it vital to have a real professional as GM. Woe is me.

cHRIsLaRRRRRRy - all over that, particularly since our beeotches are in the game.
Bur I can find a couple of 2008 prospect lists that have Thomas, Davis, and Kelly rated higher than Jackson. I think you can fairly criticize Vinny for too few late-round impact players, or even inappropriate allocation of picks to positions, but to harp on the choice between Thomas and Jackson is shootin' blanks when there's plenty of live ammo around.
And in any case, is that the reason for our 2-6 finish?

So let me get this right, if the Eagles hold on here, then not only did we go 3-0 against the teams in the NFC Championships, but it also means that an Aussie is going to the Superbowl!

Posted by: kost52 | January 11, 2009 4:02 PM | Report abuse

sickening, isn't it? gives me hope though. if we can somehow ace this draft (a tall order, I know) with a solid lineman on each side of the ball, next year could be a good one. or we could draft a 2 WR's and a punter...never a dull moment with our boys, except when the offense is on the field.

Not really if you understand that the Skins' victories over the NFC finalists during the regular season are not remotely related to what those teams have accomplished in the post-season.

Posted by: learnedhand1 | January 11, 2009 7:19 PM | Report abuse

have to disagree hand. not to suggest that a win in Week 5 requires the same intensity or execution as a playoff game. but going 3-0 over the teams that will play for a spot in the Super Bowl means something. 1-0? maybe not. 2-0? getting there. 3-0? that is not totally insignificant or irrelevant. it's not like Kvin Kolb and Matt Leinart were playing.

Might have a ballgame on our hands again if Steelers don't move the chains here

No matter what you all are saying now, I believe with all certainty there would have been MAJOR complaints if Vinny had selected another short receiver....I can hear it now "What was he thinking???? We need tall receivers!"

No matter what you all are saying now, I believe with all certainty there would have been MAJOR complaints if Vinny had selected another short receiver....I can hear it now "What was he thinking???? We need tall receivers!"

No matter what you all are saying now, I believe with all certainty there would have been MAJOR complaints if Vinny had selected another short receiver....I can hear it now "What was he thinking???? We need tall receivers!"

DeShaun Jackson wasnt drafted by the Redskins because CERRATO SUCKS!!! Cerrato wasnt laid off by the Redskins because $nyder SUCKS. He makes his millions anyways. Wonder why he laid off numerous employees who probably did their job when the one guy who definitely did not do it is still on the team.

Hand, what is your point? I'm admittedly not the sharpest knife in the drawer but see no relevance to that and what I said - namely that going 3-0 against the NFC finalists gives some hope and that next year could be a good year if we draft well. Nor do I think those 2 bad losses - both of which I attended and still bother me - have anything to do with you saying our quality wins over Philly/Zona "are not remotely related to what those teams have accomplished in the post-season". If anything, they prove that we can beat about anyone and lose to about anyone. And if we improve our trench warfare, we could easily contend in a fairly wide open NFC

Hey I am waiting for cerrato to come on the Radio and talk about how we beat the Eggles twice so we should be in the Championship, not them!!! When are you coming on Cerrato? Arent you reading this yet?

LMG, one of our biggest problems for quite some time is that we get up for the big games and sleep on the games we should easily win. That's a culture problem in my mind. So those wins over tough teams are huge, but losses to teams like the Rims and the Bungles mean we're not serious or focused. It pisses me off to no end.

I don't know about that. I do think the Steelers-Ravens game will be 6-3 Steelers. People better watch out for those red birds. They put up some points and can protect their QB.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 11, 2009 7:49 PM | Report abuse

I didn't mean they'd club the Ravens (though I hope so)..agreed that game will be a defensive slugfest. But I don't see Philly or Cards hanging with the Steelers. Yes, I know Philly beat them earlier this year. But Parker looks healthy and fresh, Big Ben is playing smart football and their defense is nasty. Zona would be made one dimensional and would get throttled in my opinion. Impressive win against Carolina but Delhomme was abyssmal.

i hear you scamp...we've got no choice but to back Zorny for another year, hope he learned a lot and is able to get more consistency from the team both emotionally and in terms of execution. And pray that we draft well....again, I'm hoping the blind squirrel theory applies this year...

Not saying that Zona would definately win the game but that O is no joke. Warner is smart and they have been running the ball well. If Boldin is back than uh-oh. I think it's time for Philly to choke again so I'm counting them out. Any one of these teams is quite capable of winning it all.

No matter what you all are saying now, I believe with all certainty there would have been MAJOR complaints if Vinny had selected another short receiver....I can hear it now "What was he thinking???? We need tall receivers!"

Posted by: Lisa_R

Agreed! 1000%

Posted by: treelinedc | January 11, 2009 7:35 PM

Vinny picked 3 of them. He didn't have to go for size with all 3 if he truly felt Jackson was the best prospect. Him picking 3 of the same thing stinks of him trying to cover his own a*s. Thinking along the lines of well if one is a bust maybe the other will pan out. Vinny sucks. That is the bottom line.

+++The problem with going after Deshingles, Skippy, is that he didn't fit our prototype wide reciever of need.

Posted by: scampbell1975+++

I PASSED THIS ALONG TO SKIPPY AND GOT THIS REPLY:

What was Vinny Ceratini looking for a football prayer or a dancing partner? Maybe he wanted a dancing partner to dance with Jasmine Trailor of Dancing in Your Shorts.

Skippy suggest next time before he dafts a player, Vinny buys higher heels or maybe gets elevator shoes for his receivers. Because otherworth, someone might think Vinny is a macaroon or stupid or a idjit or maybe just stupid.

This should not be misterpretated as criticism of Vinny’s stupidity, which Skippy refuses to particulate in, as it is beneath his dingleberries. Skippy’s late Mama raised hims to stay above the freight, maybe join the mile high club, though not with Mama as that would be Insects and offend Papa, Uncle Phil and the 42nd Airborne.

But Skippy digests. Skippy too also wouldn’t want the Philadelphia Receiving Corpse because they don’t live close enough to Redscum Park.

So... here are the scout.com 2008 WR draft prospects. I'm no Skippy, and I'm sure there are other lists out there, but you'd have to be a really pesky gadabout to decide that Thomas over Jackson is evidence of incompetence.

Wouldn't an Arizona - Baltimore Superbowl be interesting. A team which throws the ball almost 65% of the time (most in the league), up against a team which throws 42% of the time (least in the league).

Kost, although I don't find the matchup as interesting as the Steeler-Eagles. It wouldn't surprise me if it is a Super Bowl for the birds. Teams with birds as their mascot are undefeated except for Falcons which lost to the Cards.

So following this ridiculous way of pronosticating the play-offs. The Ravens should beat the Steelers and the Cards should beat the Eagles because somehow Arizona is the only team to beat a bird team in these play-offs.

IF this is indeed the match-up. The theory of the smaller bird would then be the reason for seeing the Cardinals winning the big game as the Cards would then have defeated both the Falcons and the Eagles which are much bigger birds. The Ravens being bigger birds would then lose.

Having laid this egg of a prediction, I must say that I generally prefer the more traditional play-off pronosticator - defense wins championships. So with the Steelers having the #1 (Ravens #2) and the Eagles having the #3 defense. Those are your conference champions.

All-pro is where it's at. It is the highest honor for an NFL player. The voting is sometimes based on reputation but not nearly as much as the pro-bowl. The same 50 guys who vote for MVP, coach, defensive player, offensive player of the year, etc make the votes. (I think)

So the 'skins don't quite measure up talent wise with the Titans, Vikings, and Ravens. At the same time they don't fall in the talentless abyss of the Bengals and Jaguars - no votes - or Bears and Rams - only votes for punters. (Donnie Brown apparently punts for the Rams not the Dolphins but who knew.)

Chuckheaded morons, Sproles went home now didn't he? Eh? Defense wins in the end and it far more important. I would rather have a top 4 defense than a Sproles. Never bought this team all that much having a Mike Thomas, or a host of others who were like Sproles when the defense was porous.

Pay for the defense first. Then think about scamp backs afterward.

"Are you sure about this scamp? I was thinking maybe if Betts watched a lot of tape on Sproles, he could see what Sproles is doing and he could do the same thing. Wouldn`t that work?

Posted by: talent_evaluator | January 11, 2009 2:11 PM

It's possible, if you could gain speed, lateral movement and cutting ability, plus lose size to the point where you get lost in a crowd by watching tape, then Betts could be in good shape by the end of the offseason.

Still think they need an instant starter at the LT position if they can get one.

Posted by: periculum | January 12, 2009 2:20 AM

Gee, periculum, most people up here think the problem is the RT position, where Jon Jansen plays. But, if you think Chris Samuels is the real problem, then I guess we should upgrade there instead. Maybe Jansen has another good year in him after all.

I'm basing this on several factors but primarily on the historical fact that the draft 'experts' are lucky if they can predict 20-25% of the first round. Of course it's hard when about one sixth to one quarter of the picks will be traded but even then there are always guys like Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers that slide up and down the board.

That and the recent history that 'suggests' that Vinny will not follow any reccomendations.